Led by embedded consumer electronics device deployments, Linux is on “a trajectory to be the emerging platform of choice,” says Mark Shuttleworth in an interview. The Canonical founder discusses plans for a user-friendly version of the popular Ubuntu desktop OS just for mobile and embedded devices, among other topics. (more…)

Texas Instruments (TI) will join the Linux Foundation in order to “collaborate with industry leaders who define both technical and operational best practices around open source software,” it announced. TI's open source strategic marketing manager, Eric Thomas, will join the Foundation's board alongside new members Larry Augustin and Chris Schlaeger. (more…)

A Seattle-based nonprofit organization called Literacy Bridge hopes to create a low-cost audio player for the developing world. The $5 “Talking Book” is an iPod-sized flash-based mp3 player that juices up on health, educational, and other audio programming at Linux-based content distribution… (more…)

The Apache Software Foundation will host a conference in Amsterdam, from April 7-11. The open source conference will start with two days of “intense” training classes, says the Foundation, followed by three days of over 50 sessions on open source software. (more…)

Axiomtek has announced a computer-on-module (COM) using the COM Express Type II form factor. The CEM820 supports Intel Pentium M and Celeron M processors, includes PCI Express expansion, Gigabit Ethernet, and eight USB 2.0 ports, and is available with a development baseboard. (more…)

Mobile phone design company Openmoko has posted industrial design source CAD files for its Linux-based, open source Neo 1973 phone (pictured at left). Openmoko has also committed to providing open source access to the mechanicals for its upcoming Neo Freerunner phone design. (more…)

Berlin-based VoIP phone vendor Snom will show off its new line of Linux-based cordless VoIP phones at this week's CeBIT 2008 Conference in Hannover, Germany. Snom will also launch its Snom Hacker Shootout program to encourage hacker community involvement in addressing VoIP security issues. (more…)

[Updated Mar. 4] — Intel has branded its next-generation mobile device chips, previously codenamed “Silverthorne” and “Menlow.” Built on 45 nanometer process technology, the Atom processor uses a new single-issue x86-compatible micro-architecture designed to compete with ARM in mobile designs, while mating with… (more…)

IBM's DeveloperWorks has published a tutorial on using Eclipse to develop for the Google Android mobile phone platform. Frank Ableson's “Develop Android applications with Eclipse” tutorial explores the Android Development Tools Eclipse plugin and generates two sample… (more…)

Kontron has introduced a trio of single board computers (SBCs) that run Linux. The “PM” boards are based on Intel 852GM chipsets and Celeron/Pentium M processors, and are available in form factors that include PC/104-Plus, EPIC, and JRex. (more…)

Linux-focused single-board computer vendors Arcom and Applied Data Systems (ADS) will merge to form Eurotech, Inc., which will operate as the main U.S. branch of European embedded equipment vendor Eurotech, the companies announced. Parvus, Eurotech's other U.S.-based embedded board and PC subsidiary, will continue to operate separately. (more…)

Delock has announced a compact industrial PC built around a Via pico-ITX motherboard. Designed for DIN-rail mounting, the DL-18HD runs Linux on a 1GHz Via C7 processor, supports hard disks up to 300MB, and has an optional quad-band cellular modem, according to the company. (more…)

[Updated 12:10] — Vyatta is alpha-testing a major new release of its X86-Linux router distribution for enterprise and Tier-2 network operators. Vyatta Community 4 (VC4) boasts new open source routing protocol implementations, a more Linux-like command-line user interface, and support from a new open source community website. (more…)

Emerson Network Power (ENP) announced a microTCA system said to cost half what existing microTCA products go for. The under-$5,000 Centellis 500 features a plastic case, runs Wind River Linux, and is described as a deployable, validated system for cost-constrained enterprise, medical, and industrial automation markets. (more…)

Embedded computer manufacturer and Eurotech Group subsidiary Applied Data Systems (ADS) announced an embedded IP set-top box (STB) intended for seatback applications and digital signage. The Linux-based NetCast Player HD supports high definition live video up to 1080p resolution, says the company.

The… (more…)